New Max Compensation Rate for 2015

The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation issued DFS-03-2014 on December 16, 2014. This bulletin announces the 2015 maximum compensation rate of $841.57.

The prior year maximum compensation rates were:

1959	$        42.00
1967	$        49.00
1970	$        56.00
1972	$        66.00
1973	$        80.00
1975	$      105.00
1976	$      112.00
1977	$      119.00
1978	$      126.00
1979	$      130.00
1979	$      130.00
Aug-79	$      195.00
1980	$      211.00
1981	$      228.00
1982	$      253.00
1983	$      271.00
1984	$      288.00
1985	$      307.00
1986	$      315.00
1987	$      330.00
1988	$      344.00
1989	$      362.00
1990	$      382.00
1991	$      392.00
1992	$      409.00
1993	$      425.00
1994	$      444.00
1995	$      453.00
1996	$      465.00
1997	$      479.00
1998	$      494.00
1999	$      522.00
2000	$      541.00
2001	$      571.00
2002	$      594.00
2003	$      608.00
2004	$      626.00
2005	$      651.00
2006	$      683.00
2007	$      724.00
2008	$      746.00
2009	$      765.00
2010	$      772.00
2011	$      782.00
2012	$      803.00
2013	$      816.00
2014	$      827.08
2015	$      841.57

Florida adopts a new Hospital Reimbursement Manual

Effective January 1, 2015, Florida adopts a new Hospital Reimbursement Manual

The following is a direct quote from the Division Filing:

   69L-7.501 Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals.

   (1) The Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals, (“Manual”), 2014 Edition

http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-04109, effective January 1, 2015, is adopted by reference as part of this rule. The Hospital Manual contains the Maximum Reimbursement Allowances (MRAs) determined by the Three-Member Panel, pursuant to subsection 440.13(12), F.S., and establishes policy, procedures, principles and standards for implementing statutory provisions regarding reimbursement for medically necessary services and supplies provided to injured workers in a hospital setting. The policy, procedures, principles and standards in the Manual are in addition to the requirements established by the Florida Workers’ Compensation Medical Services Billing, Filing and Reporting Rule, Rule 69L-7.710, F.A.C. The Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals is available for inspection during normal business hours at the Florida Department of Financial Services, Document Processing Section, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0311, or may be obtained free of charge by print or download from the Department’s website at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/wc/publications.html.

   (2) The Florida Workers’ Compensation Health Care Provider Reimbursement Manual (“HCP RM”), incorporated by reference into Rule 69L-7.020, F.A.C.; and the Workers’ Compensation Medical Services Billing, Filing and Reporting Rule, Rule 69L-7.710, F.A.C., are recognized for use in conjunction with the Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals, 2014 Edition, effective January 1, 2015. Both rules and the HCP RM are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Florida Department of Financial Services, Document Processing Section, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0311, or via the Department’s web site at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/wc/publications/html.

Rulemaking Authority 440.13(12), (14), 440.591 FS. Law Implemented 440.13(7), (12), (14) FS. History–New 6-9-87, Amended 6-1-92, 10-27-99, 7-3-01, Formerly 38F-7.501, 4L-7.501, Amended 12-4-03, 1-1-04, 7-4-04, 10-1-07, 1-1-15.

(Rule Chapter 69L-7.501, Florida Administrative Code)

Details here

Florida Division Hosts December 2014 Webinar on Notices of Action/Change

The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation is holding a webinar regarding Electronic Notices of Action or Change.

December 18, 2014, from 1:30 PM EST to 4:30 PM EST,

Details are here